A SAMPLING OF YOUR RESPONSES:
I had to quit a job due to no child care and i never got unemployment. If they can't make it on what they got , let them find a new job. I had too. Unemployment for people who just walked out on the job. I say NO!!! They act like a bunch of babies, I worked for years with no health insurance because I couldn't afford it, and they have it and want more, take what you got and (in this state) be glad you have it.
Terri, Charleston
Most definitely!! They have a right to fight for their health care that the greedy Kroger Company wants to take away from them. The employees at Kroger are not rich by any means. The cost of living has gone up several times without the employees seing a raise in ther checks. Kroger has made millions of dollars of profits over the years and it is the employees that have made that possible for them. What a way to thank the employees---don't you think?
Michelle, Roanoke
NO they can't get unemployment, The govenment needs that money for ball parks and wars. Instead give them Food stamps so they can go to sav-a-lot
Larry, Cabin Creek
Why should they.If we all chose to go on strike because of something we didnt like we would all be jobless.They need to know what the cosequences were before making that decision.
Sherry Taylor, South Charleston
When they run off the elderly from getting there meds thats far enough i will not support them when they go back to work.
Kyle Schimt, Weston
Why should we support people who refuse to work when their employer is paying 100% of the medical insurance cost and offered to raise it 8 or 9 million. plus a pay raise.. those strikers deserve no sympathy, but they have earned much scorn.
J D Brooks, Camden
I live in a small community and the familiar faces of hometown employees make shopping more pleasant. They always have a smile ,a kind word to say and always willing to be helpful. The selection of name brand merchandise and kroger brand merchandise are great. Please come back to work as soon as possible. Everyone misses you.
A Lonely Kroger Customer, Gassaway
yes i think they should after all it is there money in there they have paid into that and they are fighting for something that is right. that is the problem with this world the big leagues want to be mean and try to rip the poor off they need to grow up and step back and think about tommorow because you never know when they will go penniless and from the looks of it Krogers will go bankrupt.
Miranda, Charleston
They were locked out. They did not walk out. We had all beter wake up. Were next. The corp. Greed monster is alive and well,
M Jackson, Clendenin
I think they are very much entitled. The company wants to mess with their benefits and I think that is wrong. If they feel they need to make cuts, yeah right, then let the big boys take a cut. Heavens know they can more than afford it. Let them start paying for their insurance. If that would happen, the strike would of been settled a long time ago.
Cheryl, Belpre
I have shopped at Krogers for many years in Clarksburg and now, in the South Charleston area. At times, the pricing is relatively higher than Wal-Mart but you must have a Kroger card to receive special discount(s). Why must a senior citizen only receive a Senior Citizen discount on Tuesday of 5%. Why not Monday - Thursday OR every day ????? Since the Management of Krogers is purposely holding up the negotiations with the Union, I strongly believe that every member of the Union who files for unemployment should receive the benefits.
James Aucremanne, South Charleston
They had a job and they volentarily went on strike
Bruce Todorovich, Oak Hill
I feel that Kroger workers should receive unemployment checks. The workers are just standing up for what is right. Many of the Kroger workers have several years with this company and as with other companies the older employees are the ones who suffer after years of dedicated service. Please either come to an agreement or give them the benefits they have worked for and deserve.
Gassaway
I dont think they should rec. Unemployment,i could not rec. It when i was on strike! Some people who actually lose their jobs cant,get real!
Bill, Charleston
Its plain and simple here-employees made the choice to strike,Krogers did not. There are plenty of people out there who want to work. That is why West Virginia needs a right-to-work law. NO WORK, NO PAY=No Unemployment Check
Bob, Charleston
If anybody should loose their jobs it's the overpaid Fat Cats (the top dogs and CEO's) of Krogers. This is another prime example that Corporations have no respect of the people that do the work for the company or the comunities in which they are located. Their (the Fat Cats)only concern is the Almighty Dollar.
Rod, Ripley
Go back to work
Tom, Ripley
They need to reopen that store. They need people to come in Kroger's and shop.
Justyn, Kermit
NO WAY! They are off from work by their choice. Therefore, they sould NOT receive unemployment!!!
Louis, Ripley
Other's should be thinking us. We are standing up for what's right. This will affect all union's in the future. Kroger has made it clear to the union that we can pay for our health care with our raise's. It can not be done with the average wage of $7.00 per hour. People, please think before speaking. It could be your company next.
Fayette County
When a union strikes, they give up the right to benefits like unemployment. I'm sure their union will take care of them -- after all, the union gives them firewood for the picket line. The union told them to strike, and they did. The union says that the company will cave. So, no, HELL NO, I don't care if their families are in the street starving, the employees made their bed, and it is now time for them to lie in the bed and have sweet pillow talk with the union boss... oh, wait, the union boss is still getting his money!
Dave, Proctorville, OH
because they were not locked out they just when on strike the company tried to negotiate the workers are going to have to relize that there are a lot of grocery storys that pays a lot less i support unions but this is a no win situation i used to be in the U.A.W of spencer
W Rhodes, Gandeeville
They could be working. They choose to strike. They wouldn't laid off.
David Dangerfield, Charleston
Absolutely not! Getting any kind of insurance coverage, even if they have to pay a portion, they should be thankful. If they're not happy--work somewhere else. As a taxpayer & working individual--I should not have to contribute to their unemployment.
Betsy Murphy, Charleston
They chose to walk out by their vote! Save taxes by using the money for people who need it! Unions tell people it's not about their greed, but corporate greed. They need to look at how much union money goes to politics! Couldn't the union dues help the members, not fuel the political debate.
Steven Greene, Paris, KY
They say that Kroger's is on strike because they won't open. They need money for people to come in Kroger's and shop.
Justyn, Kermit
They were locked out by the company so there for they don't have a job to go to
Melanie Cantrell, Red Bush
Nope b.c they can all go back to work and get money unstead of our taxes paying for them to strike. and in my opion i think that b.c of them been on strike has caused more headaches for eveyone in the valley. If the want money they can go back to work.
Tamara Yoxtheimer, Elkview
They chose to strike, they where not forced by krogers to strike,
Steve B, Charleston
You chose to strike, you chose to not work, you therefore chose to not get paid. You want a check earn it.
Proctorville
Because they are voluntarily on strike (contrary to their media commercials' claims), they do not deserve unemployment payments. To allow payment of these benefits would be, in my opinion, another abuse of the already suffering West Virginia economic system.
John Clemens, Clay
No, its there decision to strike. They say they saved up money, so they shouldn't need unemployment.
Matthew Butcher, Clendenin
They dont want to be there.They are there cause the store wont let them work.They have familys and need the money to feed them and pay the bills. Unless we help them now there will be many familys going hungery this Holidays and may end up homeless.
Sabrina, Ironton
The coal miners never received unemployment while on strike and these workers have been on strike for months at a time every 3 years. Although, I support Kroger workers, this work stoppage is over benefits, not lay offs due to a bad economy.
Kim Cooper, Sumerco
These people chose to go on strike, why should wv pay them to do so. My sister had a boyfriend that worked at inco when they went on strike, and they did not recive unemployment, so why should koger's employees.
Sandi Moore, Chesapeake
The Company should give these employees Health Benefits!!! And make them affordable.
Terri Myers, Left Hand
They opted for striking so they do not deserve unemployment benefits.
Susan, St. Albans
Thanks to Krogers prices everywhere has went up. Krogers had all the best deals for the holidays. I think they deserve better insurance but doesnt everyone?
Linda Canterbury, Marmet
I admire the employees of Kroger to stand up for their rights. If Kroger is allowed to set a negative precedent regarding healthcare coverage, where will we go from there???
Leesa Kemp, Elkview
They are not unemployed they are voluntarily witholding labor.
Steve Hoyer, Charleston
Unemployment is for people that are laid off, or lost their jobs due to other circumstances, NOT for striking workers. We should not have to pay for Kroger employees to strike!!!
Charlotte Johnson, Julian
No Way. No How. They already have a better deal than most and best take what kroger has to offer or forever hold their peace.
Sean, Ashford
I work and pay for my insurance of $208.00 per month - I am very glad that I have a job. I have not shopped Kroger's since the last time they went on strike so this strike does not bother me. I say let them find work elsewhere like everyone else does instead of letting them ride unemployment for weeks and sitting on a strike line a couple hours a day at the taxpayer expense.
Jo Rogers, Elkview
These people walked off of their jobs by choice! They should NOT get unemployment. It is no different than people who quit their jobs. When you drive by the stores these people are sitting in lawn chairs not even holding their signs anymore. NO UNEMPLOYMENT!
Susan, Tornado
I believe that unemployment needs to be reserved for those who are out of work through no fault of their own. Those workers walked off of their jobs for petty reasons. My husband and I pay almost $200 a month for insurance (through his employer) for our family and count ourselves lucky to have it.
Dee, Hurricane
The doors were locked and there was no work available for the employees. What else are unemployment benefits there for? Krogers is the sole income for many of these families. They can't feed their families on strike pay.
Stephanie, Gauley Bridge
They are lock out.
Johnny Williams, Charleston
I believe that they should. It would not be right for them not to. When this strike started, the doors were locked and none of the employees were asked if they wanted to work. So therefore they are intitled to getting their unemployment. To be able to get your unemployment you must meet 1 of the 3 qualifications. Since the doors were locked and no offer was made to the employees to work that is called a lock out. That is 1 of the 3 qualifications you must meet to get your unemployment. It is my understanding that Verizon and Columbia Gas employees received unemployment checks when they were on strike so Kroger employees are no different, they should get theirs. I have been out there with these employees and have tried to do as much as I can to show my support. For those who think that they should not receive their unemployment checks they are the ones who are probably going by and cursing the employees who are standing up for their benefits. To me they are not Kroger employees, they are family. And I do not have any family members who are employed for Kroger.
J. Skaggs, Charleston
I think that Kroger employees do not need to get unemployment. The reason being they chose to be out of work. Sure everybody wants fair health coverage wages, but the biggest majority of the workforce has to pay an outrageous amount for healthcare coverage and they are not union so they cannot just go on strike because their insurance premiums go up. They need to be glad that they do have all the benefits of their job, because most people don't even have the option of insurance or stock options or anything, and they are still supporting their families. They need to take a look at the people that bought from the store, because those people are the reason Kroger employees had paychecks.
sutton
They made the choice to strike, nobody locked them out.
Joe Tibbs, Poca
They need to settle the strike and re-open
Jeffrey Westfall, South Charleston
They make lower wages than they should for the hard work they do.They can not afford for their health benefits to be decreased or have to pay more for less coverage.
C. Robertson, Pomeroy
I think Krogers should get unemployment checks because families could be starving.
Joy, hernshaw
I don't think they should because they would have a job if they would just quit being hard headed. There are more people in this state with a need of an unemployment check. But giving the Kroger people an unemployment check is really unreasonable.
Kristin Harris, Kenna
I really don't care for Kroger itself because of their high prices and the approach to there saving card, but I hate to see people lose any income or there jobs, but when I was working, we were not allowed any unemployment benefits at all because we were told that we walked off the job, so what would grant them anymore privileges than what we had?
D. Woodall, Liberty
It's Krogers duty to take care of it's employees and thats why they are in the boat they are in, it's better late than never.
Machael Wilmoth, Buffalo
The workers were not locked out. The stores had no choice but to close after they walked off the job. While I certainly wish no one any ill will, I do not know ANYONE who has their health benefits entirely paid for by their employer anymore. I have to wonder if the workers have considered the possiblilty of Kroger closing stores here if they lose the Holiday profits that keep them going much of the rest of the year.
Ruth Niswander, Cross Lanes
They deserve unemployment as much as the coal miners deserved food stamps or unemployment when they went on strike several years ago. Also, what the kroger company is asking the employees to pay for their health coverage is unreasonable. The company could have paid the health care costs with what they lost the first week of this strike.
A. Dunlap, South Charleston
I feel for the Krogers workers. However, they voted to go on strike. Without adequate workers to staff their stores, Kroger company officials had no choice to close the stores. Therefore, I don't feel that they should receive unemployment checks. They might still be working if they hadn't voted to strike. Granted, they were justified in going on strike but, sometimes we have to suffer the consequences attached to the choices that we must make.
Melba Melton, Nitro
yes they have families to feed and this strike is because kroger unfairly wanted to raise their out of pocket costs for health care. health care costs too much as it is. i know our health insurance is pricey and the % we must pay on top of that it is nearly like we don't have any insurance.
Neva Stuck, Nitro
becuase if theyd pay them more then they wouldnt have went on strike anyway
Jessica, South Charleston
I don't believe they should becuase if they are able to get unemployment then it will open the door for employees of other companies to do the same. That would hurt consumers because the other companies will be able to raise prices because they know the consumers will have to come to them.
Anthony, South Charleston
Coal miners get unemployment checks when they go on strike, why shouldn't Kroger employees. They are both unionized.
Cheryl Waugh, Charleston
They decided to go on strike and that was there decision. They should have to pay the consequences of their actions. Every choice comes with some type of consequence whether good or bad. (Another interesting fact, I am not against the strike). How can the company force them off the job, when they forced theirselves of the job by going on strike in the first place, they made th choice to strike, not the company. Every business runs so it is profitable. Not to meet the demands of employees or even customers. Most businesses do not even run with the slogan, Customer is always right.
Matt, Teays Valley
They are the ones who walked off the job they had a choice to stay. People who quit their jobs cant get unemployment. So thats not fair
WENTZ, CHARLESTON
Definitely not! They're complaining (and striking) about Kroger imposing a co-pay on health insurance. Welcome to the real world, people! Why is health insurance so expensive? Because so many people have gotten on a check by fabricating or exaggerating injuries. As long as Kroger is trying to negotatiate, the strikers are not entitled to unemployment. Besides, as a union, they should have a strike fund established for exactly this type of situation. The workers walked away from their jobs, hoping to disrupt the coporate machine of Kroger, and seriously miscalculated; now they want our sympathy and unemployment compensation from the only people that the strike affected: the consumers. Sorry, people, you should have been happy with having a unionized job at a grocery store. Thanks to you, the paperboy and the kid who cuts my grass are both talking about going on strike, citing low wages and no health care benefits.
Lawrence, Charleston
NO, unemployment is for workers who want to work, but can't because of layoffs or no jobs available. You don't get unemployment if you quit, you shouldn't get it if you strikel.
Todd, Scott Depot
It is totally ridiculous for anyone to get unemployment benefits while on strike!! unemployment benefit are for the people that were forced into that situation not for those that chose to strike!!! besides if you get the benefits, you're supposed to be out looking for a job, not sitting on a picket line!!!!!!
Mark Fulks, Charleston
Yes they deserve unemployment benefits and I back them 100% for striking because they have done without to keep those benefits now they are been taken away from them. Krogers could have already paid the insurance with the money they have lost due to the strike. Krogers is only hurting themselves and their employees by been greedy.
Sug Sams, Clendenin
If they think they have it so bad there, then they should go somewhere else. I doubt that they find anything close to what they currently have. Health insurance costs are going up on workers all over the nation.
Debbie Taylor
Absolutely NOT! These people had jobs and decided to walk away from them. There are many West Virginia workers who would be very happy with the compensation and benefits these workers have and have decided are not good enough. In my opinion, the union has done these workers wrong and will ultimately cost them their jobs. Kroger will be happy to sell their stores for the right price to ownership who will not use union workers. Open your eyes Kroger people!! I have also seen where food banks are depleted because of this strike. Go back to your job so people who truly need that food can get it!
P.S., Hico
Absolutely Not!! They have a job, they are just refusing to go. I believe in unions, but I don't believe in them receiving special treatment.
Patricia Coulter, Clay
No, Kroger employees should not receive unemployment because they have the opportunity to work and pay for their health care. They were not fired nor layed off from their job. In today's world most people have to either pay for or share their medical insurance premiums offered through their employer.
Heather, St. Albans
I think its stupid that they are even striking. If you want more benefits, go to school and get a better job.
Hb, Charleston
Absolutely NOT!
Steven Peters, Charleston
Their strike pay should reflect their lost wages, why should their employer have to pay them unemployment when they did not let these people go, they willingly walked off the job.
Patty Tilley, Charleston
They are unemployed because they choose to be. If they had no job due to circumstances beyond their control, it would be different.
Andrew Redman, Belle
They CHOSE to strike. You can't quit your job and collect, therefore, you shouldn't be able to CHOOSE not to work and collect. It's just not right.
JMc, Elkview
They are striking for a better life.
Charles Thomas, Charlton heights
No, they say they are forced to strike, mainly due to rising health insurance costs, but do they even realize that other employees at other jobs are having to pay higher costs for their insurance coverage? Nothing against Kroger, but honestly, to be a gricery store and not require much education, why should they be entitled to as many/better (or more, in some cases) benefits than people with have degrees and can't even get health insurance!
,
The idea that they deserve unemployment checks because Kroger forced them off the job by closing is ridiculous! Kroger had to shut their stores because of the strikers.
Kelli, Hurricane
When WORKERS in three states VOTED to strike, Sounds like they made the choice! Maybe they should vote the union out...
CSP, S. Charleston
A contract expired without a successful negociation. These people were given no choice and need the money.
David Finney, Charleston
They chose to be out of work. Why should we pay for them to get help.
DM, ELkview
They chose to go on strike. If they didnt like the way the union was treating them, there are other jobs in this world besides Kroger.
Gary, Hurricane
One word. STUPID :-)
Charleston
I don't believe that Kroger employee's should be entitled to unemployment benefits. They have had many opportunities to remedy this situation and have chose not to. If they are unhappy with Kroger they need to find employment elsewhere. Unemployment benefits are not for those who chose not to work. The employees that stand outside of the Quincy Kroger are very lazy. Most of the time you can find them having a cookout. They appear to be enjoying themselves. Who wouldn't? To sit on your duff during the day and still bring home a paycheck no matter how small it is. I think they need to quit complaining and get back to work. Either at Kroger or somewhere else.
Cabin Creek
They should be thankful they even have a good job, given the current economy. Instead of complaining about what they don't have, they should count their blessings, consider themselves lucky, and GET BACK TO WORK. It won't kill them to give a little on thier issues, particularly their healthcare. Good insurance is a PRIVELEDGE, not a RIGHT.
LeighAnn, St. Albans
They chose to go on strike with there own free will. They need to stop and think of those of us that have lost our jobs by no choice of our own.
B. Turley, Charleston
when there is a lockout that forces a person out of work. thats what krogers did there employees.. when u have 1500 hundred people in a room and you do a stand up strike vote, how do you see the other 200 or 300 hundred people that may not of stood up..people that couldnt afford to strike..well that leaves them with no choice or a job.whats really sad is when they get turned down by the welfare.they cant even get food to feed their kids..people pay into unemployment the whole time they work..Give back to the working people that deserves it.
scott cooper, gauley bridge
This strike could only be called a lockout becuase the kroger workers caused it to be. The second highest paid grocery workers in the us should go back to work and be glad for the job they have and what the have.
William T Buttman II, Milton
I am in sympathy with the strikers, however, I have to pay for my health care benefits and I feel they should be willing to pay part of theirs. They chose to strike and I don't feel the taxpayers should pay for their decision in this matter. Do you pay unemployment benefits to everyone who chooses to strike? Hopefully NOT!!!
Kimberly
Where would our country be if everyone could walk off thier job to bargan for benefits and draw unemployment at the same time.
Richard Ball,
Kroger locked the employees out so yes they do deserve it.
Jonell, Belpre, OH
They have a job, they are choosing to turn down. If anyone else turned down said job, they would not be able to get benefits...why should they?
Brenda Dillon, Charleston
Yes, they should get unemployment benefits. The strike is over health care and the workers have been locked out of their jobs.
Elaine Anderson, Charleston
Some of those workers have families in witch the have to support... I say give them whatever they want just as long as they go back to work because they are hurting the Comunitie and loosing more money then they really realize .... They really should get back to work and make the money they are loosing
Ashley Seabolt, Charelston
NO WAY!! They should get back to work!!
Jo, Kenna
They shouldnt receive unemploment if they cant make a living by going on strike they should just go back to work, get off TV, get out of all the newspaperstories, and stop ruinin my life.
Billy Amick, Summersville
Health Benefits are very important to working families. Kroger is being greedy. They are making a huge profit and don't pay the employees what they should, so they should at least get some decent health benefits.
Vickie Blankenship, Saint Albans
No they shouldn't. No other employees of other companies that have striked in the past have been given a reward for striking instead of trying to negogiate a decent contract with their employer. They walked out. It was free will!
Red House
They chose to walk off their jobs. Why should the remaining majority of the working force be unable to collect unemployment if they choose not to work and Kroger employees be allowed to collect it?
Remick L Keaton, South Charleston
i think it is horrible how krogers seem tobe treating the employees who are only trying to get decent med. benefits and keep their raises
Elizabeth, Alum Creek
Bunch of damn babies get their damn asses working. there too lazy to even work the picket line 24/7 i think they shouldn't have a job at kroger anymore.
Andrew Lilly, Charleston
If the company refused to negotiate and the union is wanting to they should receive unemployment pay.
Roger Arnold, South Charleston
The Kroger employees on strike are just attempting to make a living wage while maintaining their present level of benefits.
Ronald C. Kraus,
Although I understand why they are striking and I understand what it would be like to be without thier regular pay -- IT WAS A CHOICE TO STRIKE. My father was in a Union and was on strike many times when I was growing up but NEVER did they get unemployment.
Kathy, Huntington
I feel WE need to stand behind the kroger EMPOLYEES 100%. IF we do not what is next. Everyone of us needs to stand up for working benefits. So we can have respect for the JOB we are doing.
Tammy Pennington, Charleston
Although there is a fine line (legally) as to when they went on strike (midnight) and when the managers locked the doors (10pm), giving strikers unemployment checks would only cause a cascading effect. Everyone would strike, everyone would get paid.
John Kilroy, Charleston
Going on strike is a choice just like quitting a job. Unemployment benefits are for those people who get fired or layed off from a job, not quitting by choice. Part of the requirements for an unemployment check is to put in applications...can they do that while on the picket line?
Gail Lentz, St. Albans
No they should go back to work.
Charleston
Most have worked for Krogers for years and deserve a break too. Sometimes you have to stand up for whats right.
Melissa Grose, Charleston
Yes, they have families and children that need to be taken care of, this holiday season and no one should go without during these times. It's hard enought on the parents but children just don't understand why. There are a lot of single parents that work for Kroger's. They have bills just like everybody else. Kroger's is a corporate machine and is only out for the dollar signs and it's a shame when someone you know works for them and takes good care of their children but can't afford to pay the high insurance cost that Kroger is asking. The employees of Kroger are Loyal and True but don't deserve what they are getting and they are taking a Noble stand in what they believe in. Sincerely Cricket
Cricket, Poca
The ONE and ONLY reason that I even shopped at Krogers was convenience. You couldn't get waited on even if you tripped over an employee. The meat department was always waiting on the truck no matter what day of the week it was. That was if you could even find someone from the meat department to talk to you (most were outside smoking). There are at least 10 lanes and only two were ever open and one was always express. EVERYONE who works, union or not, has to pay all or some of their benefits. These people are selfish and are getting what they deserve---nothing! I hope that Kroger closes all together. I'll be going to Walmart from now on. I don't need a savings card to get the best deals. Since Kroger has been closed, I've been shopping for groceries at Walmart and have saved an average of 30% on my weekly groceries.
Michelle D., Charleston
I do not believe that anyone who has chosen to strike should receive any type of assistance. They chose to walk off of their jobs. They were not shut out nor forced by their employeer to leave their jobs. They chose this coarse of action and now they as well as anyone who have to live with it.
Terina Harkins, Saint Albans
Kroger employees are unemployed by CHOICE. The idea that they would ask for unemployment benefits is ludicrous. They are already paid more and receive greater benefits than most individuals with a comparable level of education and training. What more do they want???
C.T., Charleston
The Kroger employees should not get paid for standing outside and waving signs in the air. If they get paid for this I certainly want to join the little group of protesters. I also think is really strange to protest against paying 8% or whatever amount for taxes or insurence. I know some people who pay an amount of 20 - 30%. If they need more money they should have stayed in school for a better job.
Katie
Kroger employees made a decision to walk out and strike. Now they need to live with their decision. They say they are standing up because the company is stealing their benefits and they hope this will help the next companies employees when their company thies to reduce their benefits. Well, I hate to tell the Kroger employees they are way behind on that topic. Kroger must be one of the last companies trying to reduce their benefits. Everywhere I have worked, I have had to pick up more and more of my benefits. Kroger employees need to wake up and realize that having a job in today economy is such a blessing and if it means sharing some of the cost for their benefits, then so be it. I say...get off the picket line, pick up your share of benefits and go back to work. If not, I'm sure there are tons of people that would love to come in tomorrow and take your job.
Wade, Cross Lanes
They have the right to fight for what they think is fair.
Luz Gomez, Los Angeles
they chose to strike i pay alot for healthcare but i am not walking apicket line that is their choice
Rose, Sissonville
Yes Because has money to hire more work they should be able to give those people who work for something.
Karen Martin, Beckley
I grew up in a state with right-to-work laws, so I have difficulty understanding the mind set of union employees. I don't want to have to walk off the job and go on strike because someone else tells me that's what I must do. I don't see how the striking Kroger workers will ever make up for the money they have lost in this recent strike. It must be particularly difficult for healthy workers who do not rely on Kroger insurance to sit at home or on the picket line. My husband & I are state employees and we pay close to $200 each month for family coverage, just so we can fight with PEIA over medical expenses. No one has perfect insurance. The Union should not have forced workers to go on strike. As for grocery shopping, I now shop at Dollar General, Family Dollar, WalMart (we have no Super Walmart) and Save-A-Lot. I consume foods I had never heard of before--like Vietnamese shrimp which my husband finds quite tasty. I haven't been able to find minced garlic (just garlic salt and garlic powder) since Kroger closed, but other than that I can't complain about the price or quality of the brands I've purchased. In fact our grocery bill is running about 1/2 what it used to cost for a week's groceries. I'll probably continue to shop a Save-A-Lot for some items even when Kroger reopens.
George T., Ripley
They're the ones who started the strike! I now have to drive 5 miles to the nearest store when Krogers was right around the corner!
Bonnie Elliot, Charleston
Anyone who voluntarily stops working should not be entitled to unemployment benefits. Additionally, this would set a horrible precedent, and would further tarnish the image of this state as inhospitable to businesses.
Terry Broughton, South Charleston
I think they should receive unemployment benefits. It would be different if they had a choice of not striking and going back in Krogers and working but Kroger has given them no choice by closing the stores. In that sense they have been locked out of their job.
M, South Charleston
They volunteered to strike. Presumably they were aware of the consequences of that action and they still made that decision. They do not deserve to get unemployment benefits, and quite frankly they don't deserve anything considering the pathetic way most of them do their jobs.
Randy Beegle, South Charleston
Employees of large companies should not be skimped on. The company can afford it, so why not? The employees should be compensated while they fight this battle.
Chris, Milton
Go to work
Kyle Pearson, Glenwood
I have been a union member for a long time and the only way we could draw benifits it when the company tried to take something away that was in the old contract.
Brian
No, Kroger employees should not get unemployment checks. Instead, all Kroger employees should thank their lucky star that they do have a job. Stop crying over not having certain benefits.
John Lewis, Oak Hill
They said that Kroger is on strike because they need to open that store. It needs people to come inside Kroger's and shop. It's been a long time for Kroger to be on strike. They still need money for people to buy things at the Kroger's store place.
Justyn, Kermit
They should not get unemployment. They went out on strike then they closed the stores. They have a job they just don't want it. They want something for nothing. They tell you not to shop there but if and when they go back they will beg us to go back. Well this person won't. To many other places.
Linda, Point Pleasant
Absolutely not. I grew up in a coal mining family and we never received unemployment. It is a choice to be out work when you belong to a union. Unemployment should be reserved for those out of work due to circumstances beyond their control.
Donn, Charleston
They knew when they went on strike that they would not be getting paid... that was their decision.
Doyle Kelley, Cross Lanes
Because how are they going to pay there bills and keep there kids in school.
Krystal Nunn, St.Albans
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